Litter disposal device

ABSTRACT

A litter disposal device for temporarily storing and containing cigarette ash, butts, and other litter. The litter disposal device includes a cap, a storage system, a pivot system adapted to permit the cap to move between the closed and open positions, and an extinguishing system containable within the storage system and adapted to extinguish the lit end of a cigarette. In the open position, ashes, butts, and unused portions of cigarettes, cigars, and/or other similar products/rubbish can be transported from the outside to the inside of the litter disposal device and vice versa. In the closed position, however, cigarette ash and butts cannot enter or exit the storage system of the litter disposal device. The storage system has a generally flat bottom to enable the litter disposal device to maintain an upright position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/894,732 filed 14 Mar. 2007,the entire contents and substance of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a litter disposal device and,in particular, to a cigarette butt disposal device.

2. Description of Related Art

Smoking is often prohibited in public areas to improve air quality andto prevent discomfort or harm to non-smoking individuals. On theoccasions when an individual desires to smoke, the individual typicallymust remain in a designated area outside. These designated outside areasdo not always provide ashtrays or ash containers for proper disposal ofcigarette ash, cigarette butts, and other litter. Individuals,therefore, are forced into the objectionable practice of allowinglitter, ashes, and cigarette butts to pollute the ground and thus theenvironment.

When not properly extinguished, lit cigarette butts can become firehazards. Partially lit cigarette butts can ignite grass or debris,resulting in a larger and more serious fire that could lead to injury oreven death. The lack of proper ashtrays and ash containers withindesignated smoking areas increases the probability that discarded ashand cigarette butts are not adequately extinguished.

Ashtrays and ash containers are limited in portability and, therefore,must remain in a more permanent location, such as cigarette urns andreceptacles near benches and door exits, within an automobile, or on atable. These ashtrays and ash containers can be aesthetically unpleasingand are often considered undesirable. Accordingly, smokers are providedwith fewer opportunities to properly dispose of litter, ash, andcigarette butts when away from such permanently-located receptacles.

What is needed is a personal litter disposal device that is easilytransportable for temporarily containing and storing cigarette ash,cigarette butts, and other litter. It is to such a device that thepresent invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in preferred form, the present invention is apersonal litter disposal device sized for easy transport for temporarilystoring and containing cigarette ash, butts, and the like. The litterdisposal device includes a cap having an open position and a closedposition, a storage system, a pivot system adapted to permit the cap tomove between the closed and open positions, and an extinguishing systemcontainable within the storage system and adapted to extinguish the litend of a cigarette. When the cap is in the open position, ashes, butts,and unused portions of cigarettes, cigars, and/or other similarproducts/rubbish can be received from the outside of the litter disposaldevice by the storage system. Additionally, in the open position, thecigarette ash and butts can be removed from the inside of the storagesystem to the outside of the litter disposal device for proper disposal.In the closed position, however, cigarette ash and butts cannot enter orexit the storage system of the litter disposal device.

The pivot system can comprise a biasing system against accidentalopening, for example, a pulling element can be adapted to temporarilymaintain the cap in the closed position. More particularly, the pullingelement provides an adequate amount of resistance to an opening force,thereby ensuring that the cap of the litter disposal device is notaccidentally opened at an inappropriate time, such as while in anindividual's pocket.

Further, the storage system comprises a generally flat bottom adapted toenable the litter disposal device to maintain an upright position on aflat surface. The flat bottom of the storage system ensures that thelitter disposal device can be placed on a generally flat surface, suchas a table, for an extended period of time.

Although the present invention described above refers to systems, thephysical elements of the present invention include a cap, a storagebody, a pivot hinge element, a pivot groove, and an extinguishing plateelement. The cap has an open position when a lower open end of the capis not engaged with an upper open end of the storage body, and a closedposition when the lower open end of the cap is engaged with the upperopen end of the storage body. The cap can include an insert plate toprovide support to the cap, while maintaining a seal with the storagebody so that the contents of the litter disposal device do notaccidentally spill from the storage body.

The pivot groove is in communication with the upper open end of thestorage body and is adapted to receive and house the pulling element,which is in communication with the lower open end of the cap. Connectedtogether via a pivot hinge element, the pulling element and the pivotgroove permit the cap to rotationally move between the open and closedpositions.

The extinguishing plate element is removably containable within thestorage body and is preferably positioned near the upper open end of thestorage body. The extinguishing plate element can be used to knock off,or dislodge, ashes from the end of a cigarette into the storage body.The extinguishing plate element is further adapted to engage andextinguish a lit cigarette. Subsequently, the extinguished cigarettebutt can be deposited within the storage body for temporary containment.The extinguishing plate element can also comprise an extinguishinghandle element and an extinguishing lip element, such that theextinguishing handle element and the extinguishing lip element permit anindividual to easily hold the extinguishing plate element when it isremoved from the storage body.

The storage body can further comprise an inner body containable withinthe storage body. The inner body is preferably shaped cooperatively withthe storage body and is adapted to maintain the shape of the storagebody, while sealing the storage body with the cap, when in the closedposition. Alternatively, the inner body is adapted to absorb anddissipate heat from the storage body. Accordingly, the inner bodyensures that external surfaces of the storage body do not exceed apredetermined temperature.

Among the many beneficial features of the personal litter devicesinclude a litter disposal device for adequately containing and storingcigarette ash, butts, and other litter; a cap adapted to allow thecigarette ash and butts to enter and exit a storage body when the cap isin the open position, but not the closed position; a pivot systemadapted to permit rotational movement of the cap between the closed andopen positions; and an extinguishing system adapted to dislodge ash fromthe end of a cigarette or extinguish the lit end of a cigarette.

Notably, the personal litter device overcomes many of deficiencies ofthe prior art because it is preferable that the personal litter devicecomprise a flat bottom. Most of the prior art personal litter devicesincluded a rounded bottom, and thus prohibited the personal litterdevice from standing upright on a flat surface. The personal litterdevice of the present invention overcomes this deficiency.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent upon reading the followingspecification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a litter disposal device, with the capclosed, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the litter disposal device of FIG. 1,with the cap open, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of the litter disposal device ofFIGS. 1-2, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a side, cross-sectional view, across line A-A of FIG. 2, ofthe litter disposal device with a cap open, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side, cross-sectional view, across line A-A of FIG. 2, ofthe litter disposal device with the cap closed, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in detail to the drawing figures, wherein like referencenumerals represent like parts throughout the several views, a litterdisposal device 100 (also referred to herein as “cigarette butt disposaldevice 100”) of FIGS. 1-5 is designed for proper disposal, storage, andcontainment of litter, ashes, butts, and unused portions of cigarettes,cigars, and/or other similar products/rubbish (collectively referred toherein as “cigarette rubbish”). Further, the litter disposal device 100is designed for portability and, therefore, allows for easy andconvenient disposal of cigarette rubbish by an individual on the move.Although the cigarette butt disposal device 100 can be of various shapesand sizes, it is preferably small enough to fit within a coat, shirt, orpant pocket.

When in an open position, the cigarette butt disposal device 100 isconfigured to permit the receipt of cigarette rubbish into the inside ofthe cigarette butt disposal device 100, while also permitting theexpulsion of cigarette rubbish from the inside to the outside of thecigarette butt disposal device 100. The cigarette butt disposal device100, however, prevents cigarette rubbish from entering or exiting thecigarette butt disposal device 100, when in a closed position.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the cigarette butt disposal device 100comprises a cap 200, a pivot system 300, a storage system 400, and anextinguishing system 500. The pivot system 300 is adapted to enable thecap 200 to move between the open and closed positions. The extinguishingsystem 500 is releasably disposed within the storage system 400, and isadapted to extinguish a cigarette before being disposed within thestorage system 400 for proper storage. Further, the extinguishing system500 can be used to dislodge, or knock off, ashes from the end of acigarette into the storage system 400. One skilled in the art wouldappreciate that the storage system 400 and extinguishing system 500 aregenerally constructed of non-flammable, heat-resistant materials.

The storage system 400 comprises an upper open end 410, such that theupper open end 410 is in communication with an inside and an outside ofthe cigarette butt disposal device 100 when the cap 200 is in the openposition. Accordingly, cigarette rubbish can be received by the storagesystem 400 or removed from the storage system 400, when the cap 200 isin the open position. When the cap 200 is in the closed position,however, the upper open end 410 of the storage system 400 is not incommunication with the outside of the cigarette butt disposal device100. The cigarette rubbish, therefore, cannot enter or exit the storagesystem 400 when the cap 200 is in the closed position.

The pivot system 300 of the cigarette butt disposal device 100 comprisesa biasing system against accidental opening, for example, a pullingelement 305 is adapted to temporarily maintain the cap 200 in the closedposition. The pulling element 305 is designed to ensure that thecigarette rubbish stored within the storage system 400 does notaccidentally exit the storage system 400 at an inappropriate orundesired time. More particularly, the pulling element 305 providesproper resistance when an opening force is applied to the cap 200 toensure only an intended opening force will open the cap 200. Likewise,the pulling element 305 provides proper resistance when a closing forceis applied to the cap 200 to ensure an intended closing force closes thecap 200.

The storage system 400 further comprises a bottom 415. The bottom 415 ispreferably rectangularly shaped, though other shapes can be implemented,and the bottom 415 is preferably generally flat so that it can rest upona surface. Further, it is preferable that the bottom 415 can be adaptedto enable the storage system 400 to maintain an upright position on agenerally flat supporting surface. In an exemplary embodiment, thecigarette butt disposal device 100 is purposefully designed to enable anindividual to place the cigarette butt disposal device 100 on a flatsurface, such as a table, during use. The bottom 415 of the storagesystem 400 having the generally flat shape enables the cigarette buttdisposal device 100 to be used as an ordinary ashtray.

More specifically, the cigarette butt disposal device 100, asillustrated in FIGS. 3-5, comprises a cap 200, a storage body 405adapted to store and contain cigarette rubbish, a pivot system 300adapted to controllably permit the cap 200 to move between the closedand open positions, and an extinguishing plate element 520 containablewithin the storage body 405 and adapted to extinguish (or snuff) acigarette. As an individual smokes, the cap 200 of the cigarette buttdisposal device 100 can be moved to the open position, allowing forashes to be deposited within the storage body 405. Once the individualfinishes, the cigarette can be extinguished on the extinguishing plateelement 520, and then the cigarette butt can be deposited within thestorage body 405. The individual can then move the cap 200 to the closedposition before putting the cigarette butt disposal device 100 in his orher pocket.

The cap 200 is moveable between an open and closed position. Asdescribed above, the cap 200 prevents cigarette rubbish from entering orexiting the storage body 405 when the cap 200 is in the closed position.Conversely, the cap 200 allows the cigarette rubbish to be received intothe storage body 405 for storage or expelled from the storage body 405to the outside of the cigarette butt disposal device 100 for properdisposal. As illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, the cap 200 comprises an upperclosed end 205, a lower open end 210, and a peripheral wall 215. Theperipheral wall 215 extends downwardly from the upper closed end 205 tothe lower open end 210, thereby defining a cavity below the upper closedend 205 of the cap 200. Further, the lower open end 210 is adapted toengage an upper open end 410 of the storage body 405, when the cap 200is in the closed position.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cap 200 further comprises an insertplate 220, such that the insert plate 220 is containable within the cap200. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the insert plate 220 is shapedcooperatively as the upper closed end 205 and the lower open end 210 ofthe cap 200. The insert plate 220 is adapted to maintain the shape ofthe cap 200 and provide a seal between the cap 200 and the storage body405. Generally, a portion or the entirety of the insert plate 220 can bemade of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam or rubber to provide a sealbetween the cap 200 and the storage body 405. The insert plate 220 canprevent unwanted spills from occurring.

Now referring to FIGS. 3-5, the storage body 405 is adapted totemporarily store and contain cigarette rubbish, until the cigaretterubbish can be disposed of properly (e.g., into a standard ashtray orgarbage container). Besides the upper open end 410, the storage body 405further comprises a lower closed end 415 and a peripheral wall 420. Theperipheral wall 420 extends downwardly from the upper open end 410 tothe lower closed end 415 and, thereby defines a hollow cavity above thelower closed end 415. Cigarette rubbish is stored within the formedhollow cavity during use of the cigarette butt disposal device 100. Thelower closed end 415 of the storage body 405 can have a rectangularshape to enable the storage body 405 to maintain an upright position.Additionally, the lower closed end 415 can be generally flat enablingthe storage body 405 to rest on a generally flat surface.

The pivot system 300 is adapted to permit the cap 200 to move betweenthe open and closed positions. The pivot system 300 comprises a pullingelement 305, and a pivot groove 320 defined in the storage body 405. Thepulling element 305 is in communication with the cap 200, such that whenthe cap 200 is closed, the pulling element 305 provides a sufficientresistance enabling the cap 200 to remain closed.

The pulling element 305 includes two spaced ends—a first end 305 a incommunication with the cap 200 and a second end 305 b that iscontainable within the pivot groove 320. The first end 305 a defines apulling element aperture 310. The pulling element aperture 310 isadapted to receive a pivot hinge element 315. The cap 200 can include apair of cap apertures on opposing sides of the proximal end of the cap200. When the pulling element aperture 310 and the cap apertures areproperly aligned, the pivot hinge element 315 can be slidably containedtherein. The pivot hinge element 315 essentially connects the cap 200with the storage body 405 via the pulling element 305. Preferably, thepivot hinge element 315 is a hinge pin, although one skilled in the artwould appreciate that the pivot hinge element 315 can comprise otherappropriate hinge devices. Based on the pivot hinge element 315 beingslidably contained within the pulling element aperture 310 and the capapertures, the cap 200 can be rotationally moved between the open andclosed positions, such that the lower open end 210 of the cap 200engages with the upper open end 410 of the storage body 405, when thecap 200 is the closed position. The rotational movement of the cap 200can further be described as a rotational pivot at the proximal end ofthe cap 200 and storage body 405.

The second end 305 b of the pulling element 305 is preferably housed inthe pivot groove 320. This end of the pulling element 305 can comprise apivot latch element 335, such that the pivot latch element 335 includesa bias element 340. In an exemplary embodiment, the bias element 340 canbe a spring or single pin spring action lever, though as one skilled inthe art would appreciate, other bias elements can be implemented. Thebias element 340 is adapted to temporarily maintain the cap 200 in theclosed position, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The bias element 340 isgenerally positioned at the proximate end of the cap 200 and the storagebody 405, and can be adapted to receive the second end 305 b of thepulling element 305. One skilled in the art would appreciate that thebias element 340 can be effectively used to both hold the cap 200 in itsopen or closed positions. The bias element 340 generally biases the cap200 to the closed position, and provides an adequate amount ofresistance to an opening force exerted on the cap 200.

In one embodiment, the bias element 340 can have approximately the sametension when the cap 200 is in the open position as the cap is in theclosed position.

The pivot system 300 can further include a pivot rod 330 that can extendthrough a pair of aligned storage body apertures 325 located on theproximal end of the storage body 405. The pivot rod 330 provides a pivotpoint for the cap 200 to open/close relative to the storage body 405.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pivot system 300 can include a latchelement 600 adapted to temporarily maintain the cap 200 in the closedposition. The latch element 600 can be positioned at a distal end of thecap 200 and the storage body 405. One skilled in the art wouldappreciate that the latch element 600 can be effectively positioned indifferent locations about the cigarette butt disposal device 100. Thelatch element 600 provides an adequate resistance to an opening force,thereby preventing the cap 200 from accidentally being moved from theclosed position to the open position. For example and not limitation,the latch element 600 can be an external locking means for assuring thecigarette butt disposal device 100 does not accidentally open.Consequently, the latch element 600 prevents cigarette rubbish fromexiting the storage body 405 at an inappropriate time (e.g., while stillin the pocket of the individual).

Now referring to FIGS. 3-5, the extinguishing system 500 is adapted toengage and extinguish a lit item, such as a cigarette, before thecigarette is deposited within the storage body 405. The extinguishingsystem 500 comprises an upper open end 505, a lower open end 510, aperipheral wall 515, and the extinguishing plate element 520. Theperipheral wall 515 extends downwardly from the upper open end 505 tothe lower open end 510, thereby defining a hollow interior that permitsthe transport of cigarette rubbish from the outside of the storage body405 to the inside of the storage body 405, or vice versa. The lower openend 510 of the extinguishing system 500 is adapted to engage the upperopen end 410 of the storage body 405. More particularly, theextinguishing system 500 is partially containable within the storagebody 405, such that the upper open end 505 of the extinguishing system500 engages the lower open end 210 of the cap 200, when the cap 200 isin the closed position.

The extinguishing plate element 520 is in communication with theproximate end of the upper open end 505 of the extinguishing system 500.The extinguishing plate element 520 narrows the passage between insideand outside of the storage body 405 by partially covering the upper openend 505 of the extinguishing system 500. Cigarette rubbish can onlyenter or exit the storage body 405 via the distal end of the upper openend 505 of the extinguishing system 500, unless the extinguishing system500 is actually removed from the storage body 405. When the lit end of acigarette engages the extinguishing plate element 520, ashes at the endof the cigarette can be knocked off into the storage body 405 or thecigarette can be extinguished or snuffed out. The extinguishing plateelement 520 can be flat or slightly contoured for adequately engagingwith the lit end of a cigarette. Additionally, the extinguishing plateelement 520 can be slanted to assist the ashes that have been knockedoff the end of the cigarette to slide easily into the storage body 405,e.g., through an aperture 507 of the extinguishing system 500.

The extinguishing plate element 520 can further comprise an ash disposalslot 508, such that the ash disposal slot 508 is adapted to engage thelit end of a cigarette and assists the cigarette ash to fall from theextinguishing plate element 520 into the storage body 405. The ashdisposal slot 508 is configured to allow ash from a cigarette to passthrough the extinguishing plate element 520 into the storage body 405.The ash disposal slot 508, therefore, is generally measured in sizebetween approximately 50% and 70% of the lit end of a cigarette. The ashdisposal slot 508 can be configured in the shape of a “plus sign” foraesthetics and to also increase the area that burning ashes can bescraped and then fall into the storage body 405. One skilled in the artwould appreciate that the ash disposal slot 508 can include manyaesthetically-pleasing shapes that still permits the burning ash, orlike litter pieces, to fall into the storage body 405.

The extinguishing system 500 further comprises an extinguishing handleelement 525 that is in communication with the lower open end 510 of theextinguishing system 500. The extinguishing handle element 525 extendsdownwardly from the proximal end of the lower open end 510. Theextinguishing handle element 525 comprises an extinguishing lip element530 in communication with the distal end of the extinguishing handleelement 525.

When removed from the storage body 405, an individual can hold onto theextinguishing system 500 via the extinguishing handle element 525. Theextinguishing handle element 525 is properly shaped so that anindividual can easily hold the extinguishing system 500, while thecigarette rubbish within the storage body 405 is removed. Theextinguishing lip element 530 provides the individual with a convenientlocation to put one's thumb while wrapping one's finger about theextinguishing handle element 525. Further, the extinguishing lip element530 is also adapted to properly position the extinguishing system 500within the storage body 405 by engaging the inner side of the peripheralwall 420 of the storage body 405. As positioned, the extinguishing lipelement 530 provides support to the extinguishing system 500 during use.

The extinguishing handle element 525 is also adapted to receive themoveable pivot system 300. When the cap 200 is moved from the closedposition (see FIG. 5) to the open position (see FIG. 4), the pivotsystem 300 extends into a portion of the storage body 405. Specifically,the bias element 340 and the pulling element 305 of the pivot system 300extend into a portion of the storage body 405 when the cap 200 is in theopen position. The extinguishing handle element 525 has an arcuate shapethat receives the inwardly-extending pivot system 300, when the cap 200is in the open position. The arcuate shape not only protects the pivotsystem 300, but also reduces the amount of cigarette rubbish that willinteract with the pivot system 300. Preferably, the extinguishing handleelement 525 is shaped to prevent ash and other rubbish from interferingwith the pivot system 300.

One skilled in the art would recognize that the cigarette butt disposaldevice 100, including the cap 200, pivot system 300, storage system 400,and extinguishing system 500, and all of the components and/or elementsthereof can be made of a variety of suitable heat-resistant materialsincluding, but not limited to, polymers, rubber, metal, ceramic,silicone, or other suitable materials or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a cigarette butt disposalunit. The cigarette butt disposal unit includes a cap; a storage systemto store rubbish, the storage system comprising an upper open end; apivot system permitting the cap to move between a closed position inwhich discarded rubbish is secured in the storage system and an openposition in which rubbish can be inserted into the storage system; andan extinguishing system carried by the storage system, the extinguishingsystem adapted to extinguish a cigarette when the cigarette contacts theextinguishing system. The pivot system comprises a latch element adaptedto temporarily maintain the cap in the closed position againstaccidental openings. The storage system comprises a flat bottom that isadapted to enable the storage system to maintain an upright position.The pivot system comprises a pivot lug element in communication with thecap, the pivot lug element extending downwardly from a proximal end of alower end of the cap; and a pivot groove element in communication withthe storage system, the pivot groove element adapted to receive thepivot lug element.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a cigarette buttdisposal device. The cigarette butt disposal device includes a cap; astorage body adapted to store cigarette ash and butts; a pivot systemadapted to permit the cap to move between a closed position and an openposition; and an extinguishing system releasably containable within thestorage body, the extinguishing system adapted to extinguish acigarette.

The cap of the cigarette butt disposal device includes an upper closedend; a lower open end adapted to engage an upper open end of the storagebody when the cap is in the closed position; and a peripheral wallextending downwardly from the upper closed end of the cap to the loweropen end of the cap. Further, the cap includes an upper insert platecontainable within the cap; and a lower insert plate containable withinthe cap, wherein the upper insert plate and the lower insert plate areadapted to dissipate heat within the storage body.

The storage body of the cigarette butt disposal device further includesa lower closed end, wherein the lower closed end is flat to enable thestorage body to maintain an upright position; and a peripheral wallextending downwardly from the upper open end of the storage body to thelower closed end of the storage body.

The pivot system of the cigarette butt disposal device includes a pivotlug element in communication with the cap, the pivot lug elementextending downwardly from a proximal end of the lower open end of thecap; and a pivot groove element in communication with the storage body,the pivot groove element adapted to receive the pivot lug element andextending downwardly from a proximal end of the upper open end of thestorage body. The pivot lug element defines a pivot lug aperture. Thepivot groove element defines a pivot groove aperture. The pivot systemfurther includes a pivot hinge element adapted to engage the pivot lugelement and the pivot groove element. The pivot hinge element can becontained within the pivot lug aperture and the pivot groove aperture.

The cigarette butt disposal device further includes a latch elementadapted to temporarily maintain the cap in the closed position.

In addition, the extinguishing system of the cigarette butt disposaldevice includes an upper open end; a lower open end adapted to engagethe storage body; a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the upperopen end of the extinguishing system to the lower open end extinguishingsystem; and an extinguishing plate element in communication with aproximal end of the upper open end, wherein the extinguishing plateelement is adapted to engage and extinguish a lit item. Theextinguishing system further comprises an extinguishing handle elementin communication with the lower open end of the extinguishing system,the extinguishing handle element extending downwardly from a proximalend of the lower open end of the extinguishing system. The extinguishinghandle element comprises an extinguishing lip element in communicationwith a distal end of the extinguishing handle element.

Moreover, the storage body further includes an inner body containablewithin the storage body; the inner body includes an upper open end; alower closed end that is flat; and a peripheral wall extendingdownwardly from the upper open end of the inner body to the lower closedend of the inner body. The extinguishing system further includes anextinguishing pocket containable within the extinguishing system, andthe extinguishing pocket is in communication with the proximal end ofthe upper open end of the extinguishing system and is adapted to engageand extinguish the cigarette.

Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in theforegoing description, together with details of structure and function.While the invention has been disclosed in several forms, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions,and deletions, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement ofparts, can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the followingclaims. Therefore, other modifications or embodiments as may besuggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved as they fallwithin the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.

1. A cigarette butt disposal unit comprising: a cap; a storage system tostore rubbish, the storage system comprising an upper open end; a pivotsystem permitting the cap to move between a closed position in whichdiscarded rubbish is secured in the storage system and an open positionin which rubbish can be inserted into the storage system; and anextinguishing system carried by the storage system, the extinguishingsystem adapted to extinguish a cigarette when the cigarette contacts theextinguishing system.
 2. The cigarette butt disposal unit of claim 1,the pivot system comprising a latch element adapted to temporarilymaintain the cap in the closed position against accidental openings. 3.The cigarette butt disposal unit of claim 1, the storage systemcomprising a flat bottom adapted to enable the storage system tomaintain an upright position.
 4. The cigarette butt disposal system ofclaim 3, the pivot system comprises: a pivot lug element incommunication with the cap, the pivot lug element extending downwardlyfrom a proximal end of a lower end of the cap; and a pivot grooveelement in communication with the storage system, the pivot grooveelement adapted to receive the pivot lug element.
 5. A cigarette buttdisposal device comprising: a cap; a storage body adapted to storecigarette ash and butts; a pivot system adapted to permit the cap tomove between a closed position and an open position; and anextinguishing system releasably containable within the storage body, theextinguishing system adapted to extinguish a cigarette.
 6. The cigarettebutt disposal device of claim 5, the cap comprising: an upper closedend; a lower open end adapted to engage an upper open end of the storagebody when the cap is in the closed position; and a peripheral wallextending downwardly from the upper closed end of the cap to the loweropen end of the cap.
 7. The cigarette butt disposal device of claim 6,the cap further comprising: an upper insert plate containable within thecap; and a lower insert plate containable within the cap, wherein theupper insert plate and the lower insert plate are adapted to dissipateheat within the storage body.
 8. The cigarette butt disposal device ofclaim 7, the storage body further comprising: a lower closed end,wherein the lower closed end is flat to enable the storage body tomaintain an upright position; and a peripheral wall extending downwardlyfrom the upper open end of the storage body to the lower closed end ofthe storage body.
 9. The cigarette butt disposal device of claim 8,wherein the pivot system comprises: a pivot lug element in communicationwith the cap, the pivot lug element extending downwardly from a proximalend of the lower open end of the cap; and a pivot groove element incommunication with the storage body, the pivot groove element adapted toreceive the pivot lug element and extending downwardly from a proximalend of the upper open end of the storage body.
 10. The cigarette buttdisposal device of claim 9, the pivot lug element formed to define apivot lug aperture.
 11. The cigarette butt disposal device of claim 10,the pivot groove element formed to define a pivot groove aperture. 12.The cigarette butt disposal device of claim 11, the pivot system furthercomprising a pivot hinge element adapted to engage the pivot lug elementand the pivot groove element.
 13. The cigarette butt disposal device ofclaim 12, the pivot hinge element containable within the pivot lugaperture and the pivot groove aperture.
 14. The cigarette butt disposaldevice of claim 9, further comprising a latch element adapted totemporarily maintain the cap in the closed position.
 15. The cigarettebutt disposal device of claim 14, wherein the extinguishing systemcomprises: an upper open end; a lower open end adapted to engage thestorage body; a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the upper openend of the extinguishing system to the lower open end extinguishingsystem; and an extinguishing plate element in communication with aproximal end of the upper open end, wherein the extinguishing plateelement is adapted to engage and extinguish a lit item.
 16. Thecigarette butt disposal device of claim 15, the extinguishing systemfurther comprising: an extinguishing handle element in communicationwith the lower open end of the extinguishing system, the extinguishinghandle element extending downwardly from a proximal end of the loweropen end of the extinguishing system.
 17. The cigarette butt disposaldevice of claim 16, the extinguishing handle element comprising anextinguishing lip element in communication with a distal end of theextinguishing handle element.
 18. The cigarette butt disposal device ofclaim 17, the storage body further comprising an inner body containablewithin the storage body; the inner body comprising: an upper open end; alower closed end that is flat; and a peripheral wall extendingdownwardly from the upper open end of the inner body to the lower closedend of the inner body.
 19. The cigarette butt disposal device of claim18, the extinguishing system further comprising an extinguishing pocketcontainable within the extinguishing system, and the extinguishingpocket in communication with the proximal end of the upper open end ofthe extinguishing system and is adapted to engage and extinguish thecigarette.